The sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of the Duke's training estate. Kazuki stepped out of the gravity chamber after hours—maybe days—of unrelenting torment. His cloak draped over his shoulders again, his eyes colder, sharper. Silent.

  He walked past a group of knights who instinctively stepped aside, feeling the weight of his aura before realizing who it was.

  “Elara?” Rinara called, waving down the others in the courtyard. “He’s back.”

  Elara, Garron, Drake, and Rinara gathered as Kazuki approached. They stood in silence for a few seconds, unsure of what to say.

  He looked different.

  Not in appearance—though he was more defined, slightly taller—but in presence. His footsteps felt like tremors. His eyes didn’t waver. His mana was calm, yet overwhelming—like a void, quietly swallowing all pressure around it.

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  “Welcome back, Kazuki,” Elara said softly.

  He nodded. “Thanks.”

  That was all he said before walking past them.

  Rinara glanced at the others. “Did anyone else feel that? His mana… it's gotten heavier.”

  Drake crossed his arms. “He’s been pushing himself too far again. You think it’s because of that Kairyuuha guy?”

  Garron looked down. “Yeah. He’s not smiling like before…”

  They watched him head toward the outdoor arena, where a set of training dummies stood in a line.

  Kazuki raised his hand.

  “Come forth.”

  Ten shadow soldiers materialized, all more refined and dangerous-looking than before. He didn’t command them—they attacked as if reading his intent. Kazuki moved through them with precision, fighting while holding back.

  No wasted movements. No dramatic spells. Just deadly, efficient combat.

  One of the guild’s silver-ranked adventurers watched nearby, eyes wide. “W-Wasn’t that the G-rank necro kid?”

  “No way… He’s not a kid anymore.”

  Elara stepped closer to Rinara. “I don’t think Kazuki’s just training for revenge. He’s preparing for war.”

  Rinara narrowed her eyes. “And if he keeps evolving at this rate…”

  “…he might become something even the guild can’t control,” Elara finished.

  ---

  After nightfall, Kazuki sat atop the manor roof, looking up at the stars. His cloak rustled in the wind, dark soldiers standing silently behind him.

  He muttered in Japanese again—just quietly enough that only the shadows heard.

  “…I can’t lose anyone again.”

  His eyes dimmed.